USMNT secures historic 4-1 victory over Paraguay in World Cup opener

The United States men’s national team delivered a decisive performance in their Group D opener against Paraguay, securing a 4-1 victory at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles on Friday. The result marks the first time the USMNT has scored four goals in a single World Cup fixture and equals their largest winning margin in the tournament, a record previously established in 1930. Folarin Balogun scored twice on his international debut, becoming the first US player to score multiple goals in a debut match.

The match opened with immediate pressure from the hosts. Within seven minutes, an own goal by Paraguay defender Damian Bobadilla gave the United States the lead after a sequence involving Weston McKennie and Christian Pulisic. Balogun added a second goal three minutes before half-time, curling a shot into the top corner after evading a challenge from Gustavo Gomez. The hosts controlled the first half, registering 75 per cent possession and creating numerous chances, including a header by Chris Richards that missed the target by inches.

Paraguay’s sole goal came in the second half when substitute Maurício, fed by Julio Enciso, pulled one back. However, the US response was swift. Gio Reyna sealed the victory late in stoppage time with a strike using the outside of his right foot that curled just inside the far post. The win places the United States in a strong position to progress from Group D, which also includes Australia and Turkey.

A notable interruption occurred early in the second half when referee Danny Makkelie issued a yellow card to defender Tim Ream for a tackle on Miguel Almirón. The decision was subsequently overturned following a Video Assistant Referee review, marking the tournament’s first significant VAR intervention. The match was also marred by the half-time withdrawal of captain Christian Pulisic due to injury, a significant blow for a team aiming for a deep run into the knockouts for the first time since 2002.

The event was attended by 70,492 spectators, including celebrities such as Tom Cruise, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Paris Hilton. The night featured an opening ceremony with performances by Katy Perry, Future, Tyla, Anitta, and Lisa. US President Donald Trump did not attend the match but sent a message wishing the team luck before kick-off.